Politics

2023 Poll: One Election, Many Violence, As Families Lament Woes In Edo

Published

2 years ago

May 17, 2023

Editor

2023 Poll: One Election, Many Violence, As Families Lament Woes In Edo

THE much anticipated 2023 General Elections may have come and gone, but the scars still lingers three months after in many families in Edo State, following alleged attacks and counter attacks on members of their families.

The elections which came with its pre-hype expectations were characterised with violence in some areas of the state, ranging from ballots snatching to voters’ intimidations by thugs suspected to be loyal to different political parties involved in the elections.

Suspected pre-elections killings were also not left out, as some families members also lamented and cried for justice for their loved ones who were allegedly attacked, killed over their support for their parties.

Prior to the elections, many political analysts including this writer never gave the Labour Party (LP), a chance as it was widely believed that the party was just in name and without structure, hence, it was not expected to make significant impact in the elections.

But one thing that baffles many event observers not just in Edo State alone but across the street was the strong belief exhibited by members and supporters of the Labour Party, who keep believing that their party will pull major upset in the elections.

Their stand for the party as well as their aggressive membership mobilisations drive for the Labour Party exhibited by supporters of the LP pitched them against the other interested political parties, who may have viewed their actions of canvassing votes particularly for the LP’s Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi especially with the Obidient movement slang in their lips as threat to their candidates.

One of the 2023 pre-election casualties was the family of one Okoeguale, Mr. Okodugha and Mrs. Elizabeth Okodugha, who reportedly lost two of their loved ones Mr Okodugha Aged 61 and his wife Mrs Elizabeth Aged 55. (husband and wife) on February 20, 2023 to suspected political assassins in Edo Central Senatorial District of the state.

The husband and wife as well their son, Lawrence Okodugha, who disappeared for fear of being killed along with his parents whereabouts is causing fear amongst family members.They were scooped to have been strong pillars of support for the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the Edo Central Locality.

Mr and Mrs. Okodugha’s alleged assassinations according to family sources could not be unconnected with their refusal to jettison their support for the Labour Party for one of the major political parties’ (name withheld) who contested the elections in the country.

A family source who simply identified herself as Dorothy, wept profusely at every interval while speaking to this writer, alleged that some persons who she claimed belongs to a certain political party had few weeks before the elections approached the two deceaseds with a monetary offers, apparently to woo them to their party, but the offer was rejected by the deceased couples.

Another of casualties of the Presidential election was A 33-year-old graduate of Mythological Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo,was allegedly shot dead by suspected political thugs during the February 25, Presidential and National Assembly Elections in Edo.

The deceased, simply identified as Festus Idahosa, was reportedly shot dead alongside three others when some unknown gunmen attacked a polling unit at Ogheghe, a suburban community in Oredo Local Government Area of the state, where he went to vote.

Speaking shortly to journalists after laying the deceased to rest, his Uncle Kenneth Aigbe, said Idahosa left his residence at Nomayo, Upper Sakpoba area to Ogheghe at ward 5, unit 9 where his voting center was located.

Aigbe said he was shocked when he received a call that his nephew, Idahosa, was shot dead, lamenting that the Mythological Engineering graduate was an entrepreneur and has concluded plans to study in the UK for his master’s degree programme.

According to him, “I was called at about 8:pm that he was shot dead where he went to exercise his franchise.

“He left home to cast his vote at Ogheghe Ward 5, Unit 9 and since that day, I have not been myself as it has been a very terrible experience”.

While further lamenting Festus’ death, the uncle, however, appealed to the Federal and Edo State Governments, as well as security agents to arrest and bring the Killers to book.

A friend of the deceased, David Jaja, and his elder sister, Eunice Imatitikua, described Festus’ death as sad and hard to believe.

They commended the deceased for his patriotic tendency, especially after leaving his abode in Port-Harcourt to Benin to cast his vote.

It would be recalled that Festus Idahosa, left his base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to vote in his hometown in Benin City.

A stray bullet was said to have hit Idahosa who hailed from Egbokor Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State and a mother of two, Elizabeth Owie, as they reportedly died on the spot, while one other victim was said to have died on the way to the hospital.

During the conduct of Edo State House of Assembly elections In Eresonyen Primary School at Uhuogua Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, some Unknown Gunmen also invaded the voting center and carted away election materials.

The gunmen suspected to be political thugs invaded with a no numbered black Audi Car between 10 and 11:am when voting had commenced and carted away some of the thumb-printed booklets

Voters who saw the danger made attempts to scamper for their safety when they were stampeded, resulting in varying degrees of injuries sustained.

One of the caregivers of the IDPs, Pastor Evelyn Omigie who gave accounts of the incident, said the Eresonyen Primary School is part of Iguoshodin wards, where voters from the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and other inhabitants of Uhuogua community cast their votes.

According to Pastor Omigie, the gunmen numbering about four, shot sporadically into the air apparently to scare unsuspected voters, in order to disrupt the conduct of the March 18 state house of assembly election in Uhuogua Community.

Another casualty of the 2023 pre-election casualties was the family of one Okoeguale, Mr. Okodugha and Mrs. Elizabeth Okoeguale, aged 61 and 55 respectively who reportedly lost two of their loved ones (husband and wife) respectively, on February 20, 2023 to suspected political assassins in Edo Central Senatorial District of the state.

The husband and wife as well their son, Okoeguale Okodugha, whose whereabouts is causing fear amongst family members just now were scooped to have been strong pillars of support for the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the Edo Central Locality.

Mr and Mrs. Okoeguale’s alleged assassinations according to family sources could not be unconnected with their refusal to jettison their support for the Labour Party for a major political parties’ (name withheld) who contested the elections in the country.

A family source who simply identified herself as Ernest Okoeguale, wept profusely at every interval while speaking to this writer, alleged that some persons who he claimed belongs to a certain political party had few weeks before the elections approached the two deceased with a monetary offers, apparently to woo them to their party, but the offer was rejected by the deceased couples.

Politics

2027: Obi’s One-term Presidency Gambit Sparks Political Firestorm

Published

3 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has come under fire from the All Progressives Congress and a faction of his party after reaffirming his vow to serve only one term if elected president in 2027.

In a statement on Sunday, Obi declared the pledge “sacrosanct,” drawing criticism from APC spokespersons and a divided reaction from the Labour Party.

While the Abure-led leadership of the LP dismissed the vow as political theatrics, the rival caretaker faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman endorsed the commitment, citing Obi’s record of principled leadership.

The APC, however, described Obi’s promise as insincere and a ploy to woo voters.

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, had earlier cast doubt on claims of one-term presidency by Obi.

Soludo dismissed the one-term pledge, saying any politician making such a promise should be sent for psychiatric evaluation.

“How can anybody with a functioning brain say that? Do you think you’re speaking to fools? You come to people and say you will do only one term.

“Any politician who says that must be sent to a psychiatric home because the person must have some mental problem,” Soludo said during a political rally in Anambra South.

The governor argued that the Nigerian Constitution provides for a renewable four-year tenure and questioned the wisdom of any politician voluntarily limiting themselves to a single term.

In response on Sunday, Obi, in a statement on X, invoked the legacies of revered leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela to justify his position that impactful leadership is not measured by longevity in office.

Without naming names, just as Soludo hadn’t, Obi reaffirmed that his pledge to serve only one term if elected president remains sacrosanct.

Obi said, “One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership.

“Another iconic figure, John F. Kennedy, did not even complete a full term, yet his vision and ideals continue to inspire generations.

“In Africa, Nelson Mandela, revered globally as a symbol of justice and reconciliation, chose to serve only one term as President of South Africa, despite immense public pressure to stay longer.

“Indeed, history shows that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it. Longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service — however brief — that defines true statesmanship.”

The former Anambra governor declared: “It is within this context that I reiterate my vow: I will serve only one term of four years if elected President. And that vow is sacrosanct.”

Although Obi claimed his one-term promise was spurred out of genuine concerns, he did not betray emotion by the scepticism that had since trailed his declaration.

He, however, assured Nigerians that the negative reviews he had been getting wouldn’t deter him.

“Recently, I became aware of two statements aimed, albeit indirectly, at my vow to serve only a single four-year term.

“One person remarked that even if I swore by a shrine, I still wouldn’t be believed.

“Another suggested that anyone talking about doing only one term should undergo psychiatric evaluation.

“I understand the basis of their scepticism. They are judging me by their own standards, where political promises are made to be broken.

“But they forget, or perhaps choose to ignore, that Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth. I have a verifiable track record that speaks louder than speculation,” he said.

He emphasised that his resolve to serve only one term of four years was a solemn commitment, rooted in the conviction that purposeful and transparent leadership did not require an eternity.

He further outlined his agenda to sanitise governance, tackle insecurity, prioritise education and transform Nigeria into a productive economy.

“Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference.

“These are not utopian dreams. They are realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years,” he maintained.

Speaking with The PUNCH on the issue, the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Mr Obiorah Ifoh, noted that as a party, the LP had a programme that everyone elected on its platform must stick with.

He said, “The Labour Party has a programme to implement when it gets into government. Regardless of who the party fields as its presidential candidate in 2027, the person will run with the programmes and policies of the party.

“I think it is too early to start talking about 2031 when we are still trying to sort out 2027. The LP has thrown its presidential ticket open. We don’t even know who will emerge as the candidate because there are so many people who have shown interest.

“As our former presidential candidate, we wish Obi well in his career, including his ambition to govern for one term. The politician in him has seen that it is the right thing to do, and if that is what he wants to do, we are fine.”

On his part, the spokesperson to Senator Usman’s faction, Ken Asogwa, backed Obi to turn the fortunes of the nation around in four years if given the opportunity.

He said, “Mr Peter Obi’s one-term promise is anchored in character and track record. He has consistently maintained that if it took this present administration just two years to plunge Nigeria into its current sorry state, then four years would be more than sufficient to begin the process of putting the country back on a sound and progressive trajectory.

“We understand that some Nigerians harbour legitimate fears – that the allure of office may eventually cause him to walk back on this solemn pledge, especially as such promises are not legally binding.

“However, when leaders make commitments, the public must turn to history and examine their past conduct. That is where true assurances lie – not in mere words, but in character and precedent.”

According to Asogwa, “As governor of Anambra State, Obi kept faith with the people. He governed in strict adherence to the constitution and the rule of law, so much so that he was impeached by the state House of Assembly for being uncompromising in his commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process. He challenged that impeachment in court, won, and was reinstated – a first in Nigerian political history.

“That singular act demonstrated the kind of leadership he represents: one rooted in principle, not convenience.

“As a political party, we do not doubt his integrity. We are confident that, if entrusted with the presidency, Mr Obi would honour his word and serve only one term, as he has repeatedly promised. History is filled with examples of principled leaders who chose to serve their people for just one term, even when a second was within reach.”

The Director of Publicity of the APC, Bala Ibrahim, described Obi as a man playing to the gallery, saying his words lacked sincerity.

“He is playing to the gallery. Obi is not sincere. What is there to guarantee that he will stick to the agreement if he is given the opportunity, knowing that he has the constitutional right to go for eight years? All these are antics aimed at deceiving the electorate or deceiving the coalition to give him the ticket. This is a proof of his desperation for power,” he said.

He added that “Obi is not doing this for the good of the country. He has nothing to offer. The APC is doing everything to bring democratic dividends to the people, and the reforms introduced by the government are beginning to yield fruits.

“They have seen this, and that is why they are coming up with shenanigans of ‘give me one term.’ Obi will not respect that agreement.”
(PUNCH)

Politics

Presidency Tackles Obi Over One-term Promise, says Lincoln, JFK Examples Misleading

Published

4 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, has taken a swipe at former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent pledge to serve only one term if elected in 2027.

Obi, in a post via his X handle on Sunday, cited global leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela as his inspirations for making the “sacrosanct” promise.

But Onanuga, in a statement via his X handle on Monday, described Obi’s references as inaccurate and historically misleading.

According to Onanuga, a simple fact-check by Obi would have revealed that none of the leaders he cited served only one term by choice or under similar circumstances.

“Lincoln, at the time he was assassinated, had finished his first term, had won re-election, and had been sworn in for a second term,” Onanuga said, pointing out that the American president began his first term on March 4, 1861, won re-election in November 1864, and had been inaugurated for a second term on March 4, 1865, before his assassination on April 15 of that year.

He also noted that JFK, another American president Obi referenced, did not complete even a single term. “John F. Kennedy came into office on January 20, 1960, and was assassinated on November 22, 1963, before the end of his first term,” Onanuga stated.

While acknowledging that Mandela indeed served only one term, Onanuga argued that the South African icon declined a second term due to his age, not as a campaign commitment.

“Mandela’s example might be more appropriately recommended to Obi’s rival for the opposition ticket, who will turn 81 by 2027,” he added in a veiled reference.

Obi has not yet formally declared his candidacy for 2027, but his recent comments and public engagements have reignited speculation about his political ambition.

Politics

We May Not Have A Country If APC Retains Power In 2027 – El-Rufa’i Warns

Published

1 day ago

August 3, 2025

Editor

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has issued a warning about Nigeria’s future, declaring that the country’s survival is at risk if the All Progressives Congress (APC) wins the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Saturday, August 2, in Sokoto at a grassroots mobilisation rally for the opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), El-Rufai made clear his intention to campaign vigorously against the ruling party.

“I’m not in politics to get anything for myself. I’m in politics to serve,” he stated.

“When the government does not serve the people, it is my duty as a senior citizen to come out and condemn it and take steps to reverse the situation.

“That is why we come together as people opposed to the policies of this government to form the coalition, which has resulted in the adoption of ADC,” he explained.

El-Rufai, a former key member of the APC, said he is committed to rallying Nigerians across the country to unseat the party, describing it as “incompetent.”

“We are in Sokoto to begin the process of mobilising Nigerians against the APC government anywhere and the federal government in Abuja,” he said.

“I believe that if we allow this party and the government to continue for a second term in office, what remains of Nigeria’s social capital will be destroyed, and we may not have a country at all. This is a fight for our lives.”

El-Rufai was once a founding figure of the APC but left the party in March 2025 to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) following the Senate’s refusal to confirm his ministerial nomination, reportedly due to security concerns.

However, his time in the SDP was short-lived. The party expelled him and imposed a 30-year ban, citing alleged forgery of membership documents, among other accusations.

Now a leading figure in the opposition ADC, El-Rufa’i joins other prominent politicians in working against the APC ahead of the 2023 polls.